Spring is in the Air....

At least once a week I try to make a big, hearty salad for dinner.  Last week Meijer had strawberries on a fabulous sale so I bought a ton of them.  I used some, froze the rest.  I made strawberry cake, compote and a nice big salad.

I don't have a whole lot to say about the salad other than it was tasty, filling and we ate every bit.  The thing about salad for sinner is that it  doesn't have to be boring.  Make a bed of greens that you like and set out toppings that you know your family will want.  It doesn't have to be fancy, at all.  Use what you have on hand.

I am just a little proud of the fact that my kids LOVE salad night and have come to count on it.  I try to have some fresh greens tossed in vinegar and oil with most meals.  Whatever is in season or on sale.  This week we are eating a  lot of spinach.  Last week it was arugula, see no rhyme or reason.  Just whatever sounds good!

Some of you may want to know what I dress my greens in.  Someone I know asked me last summer why I would ever make my own dressing when there are so many good bottled ones out there.  She did have a point, there are a few that I do like and sometimes buy.  My 2 points are: 1. I often forget to buy salad fixings AND dressing in the same trip and 2. I have NEVER bought a pre-made dressing that tastes the way mine do and I guess I just prefer mine :)

Having salad for dinner doesn't have to be a chore.  Pick what sounds good and just do it.  Make your dressing in an old Ball jar, like I do.  That way you can shake it all up and refrid. the leftovers.

My basic measurements for a simple dressing is 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar or acid (citrus juice).  Give it a little taste before you serve it.  Don't worry if it tastes a little salty.  Remember, this will coat the salad not be a spoonful at one time :)

Don't drown your salad, a little goes a long way.  Always better to add more later if you need to.

Strawberry and Grilled Chicken Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Layer the following in a large dish
2 Romaine hearts, washed and chopped
Danish Blue Cheese, as much as you want
slivered almonds, 1 handful
chicken, cooked and shredded (I used leftovers from the night before)
strawberries (or whatever berry you want) several hand fulls, washed and sliced

Citrus Vinaigrette

In a clear jar or shaker add the following:
6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, large pinch of sea/kosher salt, fresh pepper, juice of 1 orange or lemon, a little zest from that orange or lemon, 1/2 tsp sugar or honey.  I also added just a little bit of minced fresh basil.  I always add a bit of fresh herbs if I have them on hand and I just happened to have a few basil leaves to use.
Shake and use :)

** another variation is instead of juice use 2 Tb of balsamic and 1 tsp of Dijon mustard.